Tanu Henry, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), a former labor organizer and advocate for women in politics, marked her first 100 days in office on Jan. 13.
Butler commemorated the occasion with a message to constituents and hosting two open houses in Los Angeles and San Diego for community members and youth organizations.
“My first 100 days have been filled with opportunities to listen, to learn and to lead on behalf of generations of Californians demanding a government that works for them and protects their fundamental freedoms,” said Butler, who Gov. Newsom appointed in October to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein after she passed away on Sept. 29.
“From voting rights and housing affordability to mental health and reproductive rights, young people and especially young women are facing headwinds, and I’m committed to using my time in the Senate to hold the door open for them,” continued Butler.
On Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, Butler held two roundtables with young people in Los Angeles and San Diego that were closed to the press, according to her office.
“At a time of pervasive cynicism about our government, it is more important than ever to invest in restoring confidence in our democracy and to build a partnership with the next generation of leaders,” said Butler, who has announced that she will not join the race for the U.S. Senate seat she currently holds.
In the U.S. Senate, Butler, who has been a strong supporter of pro-labor legislation at the federal level, serves on the Judiciary Committee.
Since her appointment, Butler has also supported the Youth Voting Rights Act, which would allow eligible 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote; and other legislation that would improve the lives of women and children, including the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, which would protect access to abortion; the Child Care for Working Families Act and the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act.